Jaguars nail first victory in Cesafi

AFTER THREE unsuccessful tries, the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars finally broke through with a victory as they defeated the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 80-69, in the seniors division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc.  basketball tournament yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Jaguars flirted with the Wildcats in the first half as they led by just six, 36-30, at halftime. However, they put their stamp on the game by dominating the rest of the second half, led by the play of  James Regalado.

The former MVP of the National Basketball Training Center scored 15 of his 18 in the final 20 minutes of play, including five in an 11-2 run at the start of the final frame that blew the Wildcats out of the water.

Regalado converted a floater and a semi-hook in that sizzling stretch that put USJ-R in front, 72-50, a lead that held until the very end.

Jason Olbedado added 16 markers, eight of which came in the second period.

CIT-U was paced by the 14 of Allen Dimco while John Graf chipped in 11. The Wildcats missed the play of Chester Curso, who was hobbled by an injury and managed just seven points.

In the juniors division, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers joined Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) at the top of the standings after they downed the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors, 86-67.

Reeve Ugsang had 16 to lead the winners, who pushed their record to 3-0 (win-loss).

The Don Bosco Greywolves also notched their first win in three tries after they bested the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters, 72-50. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio